Windows 8 Makeover: Emulate Windows 7

Software: Courtesy Install

Many of our customers want to use the latest version of Windows, in order to get the longest support life from Microsoft and best compatibility with future software, but are concerned due to the vast user interface changes that are present in Windows 8 & 8.1. After gathering feedback from users, we have decided to offer the option to have us modify Windows 8.1 - making changes to settings available within Windows as well as adding software to customize the user interface further - so that it behaves more like Windows 7 and other previous editions.

For the most Windows 7-like experience, we also recommend installing a dedicated PDF reader (we offer both Adobe Reader and Foxit Reader) to avoid having to use the Windows 8 "Reader" app.

Wilson Chau (Customer Service Lead) Says:One of the biggest complaints about Windows 8 is there revamp of the start menu. This brings that function back for those that aren't particular fond of change (or at least this change!)

Richard Falk (Customer Support) Says:This is a must have for people that do not like change and would like to use the start menu they are used to. The start menu in Windows 8 is much different than what you are used to in previous versions of Windows. Otherwise the Windows 8 start experience is fast and fluid but takes a bit of learning.

Developer: Puget Systems

This courtesy software installation includes the installation of Classic Shell which includes a Start menu replacement and automatically makes the system to boot directly to the Desktop instead of the Start Screen on startup.

In addition to Classic shell, we also make Desktop programs the default over Windows 8 apps where possible. This includes setting Windows Photo Viewer and Windows Media Player as the default program instead of the Windows 8 Music, Photos and Video apps for all supported file types. Finally, we disable the charms bar (upper-right corner pop-up) which is unnecessary with the added functionality of the Classic Shell Start menu.

While neither the Classic Shell team nor Puget Systems charges for the installation and use of the Start menu replacement, we do encourage you to make a donation to the developers if you find Classic Shell useful. You can do so by clicking on the "Donate" button on the Classic Shell homepage.